Skip to content Back to top
 

Get to know where to go for minor illnesses

In this section:

A pale blue sofa, with a cat sat on it and two cushions. There is blue standard lamp behind it and a picture on the wall with the words "self care"

Self-care

Many illnesses and minor injuries don’t always need a doctor or a nurse (or any other health professional).

Sometimes rest, lots of water and over-the-counter medicines (available at supermarkets or your local pharmacy or chemist) can help your recovery at home.

Including for:

  • Coughs, colds and sore throats
  • Sprains or strains
  • Sinusitis
  • Earache
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Small cuts
Visit the NHS website for advice on treating a range of minor illnesses and injuries at home

A drawing of a green building with a pharmacy cross drawn on the front. The word "pharmacy" is on a sign above the building.Pharmacy (chemist)

Pharmacists (or chemists) are healthcare professionals who can give you expert advice on treating minor illnesses and injuries. They can also recommend over-the-counter medicines.

Some of the tings pharmacists can help with:

  • Coughs, colds and sore throats
  • Tummy upsets
  • Aches and pains
  • Earache
  • Skin rashes
  • Baby teething
  • Nappy rash
  • Emergency contraception (not provided by all pharmacies)

You don’t need an appointment to see a pharmacist, and many are open late and at weekends.

Most have a consultation room so you can talk to them in private. If it’s needed, they’ll recommend seeing your GP. They can also help with questions about medication and make sure you’re taking it correctly.

Find a pharmacy

Pharmacy First service

Many local pharmacies can now treat some common health problems and provide prescription medicine if needed – with no need for a GP appointment.

You can go to your pharmacy first if you think you might have:

  • Earache (aged one to 17 years)
  • Impetigo (aged one year and over)
  • Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
  • Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • Sore throat (aged five years and over)
  • Urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)
  • Infected insect bites (aged one year and over)

Information from your consultation with a pharmacist will be added to the health record held by your GP practice.

You may be asked to attend your local pharmacy for treatment by another health service such as NHS 111 or your GP practice

Find out more about Pharmacy First

Unwanted medicine

If your medicine is out of date, unwanted or some of it is left over after you’ve stopped taking it, don’t put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet. Instead, take it to your pharmacy to be disposed of safely.

New Medicine Service

If you’re prescribed a medicine to treat a long-term condition for the first time, you may be able to get extra help and advice about your medicine from your local pharmacist through a free scheme called the New Medicine Service (NMS).

This is medicine you would normally pay for like treatments for allergies, diarrhoea or constipation, dry eyes, insect bites and stings, nappy rash and teething, hay fever, eczema and head lice.

Find out more about the New Medicine Service

Minor Ailment Scheme

People who don’t pay prescription charges, including children under 16, may be able to get over-the-counter medicine for free through the NHS Minor Ailment Scheme.

Not all pharmacies offer the Minor Ailment Scheme so you will need to ask if your pharmacy is signed up.

 

NHS 111

A drawing of a laptop and mobile phone with 111 on the screen. There is a steaming cup next to it.

If you’re not sure what to do or where to go, go to 111.nhs.uk. It’s available 24/7, 365 days a year.

How NHS 111 online works

If you visit 111.nhs.uk, you’ll be asked to enter your age, sex, postcode and main symptom.

You are then asked a series of questions about your health problem.

You can:

  • find out how to get the right healthcare in your area, including whether you need to see a GP or seek urgent care
  • get advice on self-care

NHS 111 online is the the quickest and easiest way to get the help you need.

Call 111 instead if you:

  • need help for a child under 5
  • have complex problems caused by an existing medical condition
  • have a care plan from your doctor for your current health problem
  • need to get end-of-life care
  • aren’t able to use the NHS online service

NHS 111 offers a British Sign Language (BSL) service that is open 24/7.

If you have a hearing problem, use text relay. Call 18001 111 using the Relay UK App or a text phone.

 

Coloured arrows pointing different ways with text. Logo: Get To Know Where To Go.When you use the right NHS service, you get the right treatment sooner.

The first thing you should know is which service you should use for your symptoms.

This booklet shows the range of NHS services available to you and your family. Keep it handy, so when you’re not feeling well, or need treatment straight away, you know where to go.

If you’re not sure what to do or where to go, go to NHS 111 online.

Download our get to know where to go booklet Download our latest Get To Know Where To Go booklet

Get To Know Where To Go for

A cartoon of a building with a sign that says GP.

Primary care

A cartoon of an open laptop screen next to a mobile hone and a steaming mug.

Mental health support

A cartoon of a building with a sign that says urgent care.

Urgent and emergency services

While you wait

Information, advice and resources to help you manage your physical and mental wellbeing while waiting for hospital care.

Visit While you Wait Visit While you Wait

Find a service

Our A-Z has details of health and care services near you.

Find a service Find a service
Launch Recite Me assistive technology